Top.



B. ZIPPEL.

' TOP.

APPLIOATION FILED MAR. 9, 1909.

Patented 'June 15-, 1909.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

BERNHARD ZIPFEL, OF TOLEDO, OHIO, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO EDWARD O. ZIPFEL, OF TOLEDO, OHIO.

TOP.

Specification of Letters Patent.

latented June 15, 1909.

Application filed March 9, 1909. Serial No. 482,292.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, BERNHARD ZIPFEL, citizen of the United States, residing at T oledo, in the county of Lucas and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Tops; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to toys and it has particular reference to a spinning top.

In carrying out my invention I employ the novel combination, arrangement and details of construction hereinafter shown, described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is an elevation of my improved top showing the cord for spinning same attached thereto. Fig. 2 is a vertical section on line XX Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the top.

Referring to the details 1 indicates the top of conical form which is preferably constructed of hard wood, 2 being the periphery and 3 the spinning point of metal disposed in the spinning axis.

4, 4 are diametral bored passages parallel to each other and equi-distant from the spinning axis, and 5, 5 are saw cuts or slots entering the periphery and connecting with the bored passages 4, 4. The slots 5, 5 as shown in Fig. 3 are disposed in diverging planes for the purpose to be hereinafter shown.

6 is a spinning cord consisting of a single loop of ordinary cord or twine the ends of which are fastened or tied together and this cord when doubled in the form of a loop is preferably about 18 inches in length.

To operate the top the cord 6 is placed in the passages 4, 4 as shown by the broken outline a, a being passed through slots 5, 5. The cord is then twisted as in full lines Fig. 1. The top is now made to spin rapidly first in one direction and then the other in the manner of a buzz until it has acquired a high velocity. Now by tilting the spinning cord to an angle of approximately 60 degrees and holding the same near the floor while at this angle with one hand close to the floor and then by slackening the upper portion of the looped cord to free it from the tension employed in spinning, the same will be detached from the top by passing through the slots, the operation being facilitated by reason of the slots being disposed in diverging planes with their outer portions nearer together than their inner portions. The top being now released falls to the floor and continues to spin.

It is thus seen that I provide simple and ready means for spinning a top and one in which the spinning cord is readily attached and detached. Furthermore the invention is simple and inexpensive in construction and provides a pleasing and fascinating form' of amusement for children.

What I claim is 1. A top having diametral bored passages adjacent to its spinning axis and slots entering the periphery of the top and connecting with said passages.

2. A top having diametral bored passages adjacent to its spinning axis and diverging slots entering the periphery of the top and connecting with said passages.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto affix my signature, in presence of two witnesses.

BERNHARD ZIPFEL. Witnesses CARL H. KELLER, EDWARD O. ZIPFEL. 

